an introduction to our work
Luwawa Environmental Trust
Luwawa Environmental Trust (LET) has been active in environmental conservation since 2001 and was formally registered as a Malawi Government approved Charitable Trust in 2009.
Since its early days, the LET vision has been to assist the Malawi Government’s Forestry Department in the long-term environmental conservation of the Perekezi and South Viphya Forest Reserves and to improve the sustainable management of these important forests.
Successfully saving our forests Since 2001
our successes to dateOur Numbers
Our Numbers
tell the Story
100
hectares protected (in the LEPZ)
100
species saved
(in the LEPZ)
(in the LEPZ)
3500
trees planted
(since 2009)
(since 2009)
1000
children
educated
educated
0
poachers
arrested
arrested
ALSO KNOWN AS THE LEPZ
Luwawa Environmental Protection Zone
The culmination of many years of environmental activation within the Perekezi and South Viphya Forest Reserves finally came to fruition on 17th December, 2018 when The Luwawa Environmental Trust was granted the specific guardianship of 137 hectares of Forestry Department land now known as the LEPZ.
The area is a mix of habitats including indigenous woodland, commercial forest, reed beds and wetlands associated with the two streams (Hunga and Luviri) which feed the Luwawa Dam. The Luwawa Environmental Protection Zone was formed and is one of the first of its type in Malawi.
EDUCATION IS KEYLUWAWA CENTRE FOR
LUWAWA CENTRE FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
The Luwawa Centre for Environmental Education (LCEE) was launched in November 2021, and it is situated on the banks of the Luwawa Dam within the Luwawa Environmental Protection Zone. The LCEE is managed by the Luwawa Environmental Trust and currently environmental trainings and awareness programs are being offered to school groups and local communities around Luwawa.
Environmentally friendly resources and methods were utilised in construction of the centre, with local skilled carpenters to ensure a harmonious structure with minimal environmental effects. The design of the Centre enables it to be operated “off grid” harnessing alternative energy supplied by solar panels and supplemented by a wind turbine and a micro-hydro scheme. The location affords the Centre with a most exquisite view across the Dam and the surrounding forest.
EDUCATION IS KEYLuwawa Centre for
Luwawa Centre for
Environmental Education
The Luwawa Centre for Environmental Education (LCEE) was launched in November 2021, and it is situated on the banks of the Luwawa Dam within the Luwawa Environmental Protection Zone. The LCEE is managed by the Luwawa Environmental Trust and currently environmental trainings and awareness programs are being offered to school groups and local communities around Luwawa.
Environmentally friendly resources and methods were utilised in construction of the centre, with local skilled carpenters to ensure a harmonious structure with minimal environmental effects. The design of the Centre enables it to be operated “off grid” harnessing alternative energy supplied by solar panels and supplemented by a wind turbine and a micro-hydro scheme. The location affords the Centre with a most exquisite view across the Dam and the surrounding forest.
THE SISTER ORGANISATION
OF THE LUWAWA ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST
OF THE LUWAWA ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST
luwawa forest lodge
In 2014 LET planted around the perimeter of the Luwawa Forest Lodge. The Trust wanted to form a display of indigenous diversity to introduce those that visited the Lodge, both local and international visitors, to the wealth of biodiversity of indigenous flora and fauna of Malawi.
Many of the Lodge’s members of staff possess a wealth of local knowledge of the area and all that lives within it. They take great pleasure in sharing that knowledge and hope their enthusiasm encourages others to take an interest in their own environment. The Lodge also has mountain bikes, kayaks etc for hire so the area can be explored, not just on foot.
The campsite at the Lodge is set in indigenous woodland with 23 different tree species many of which are labelled to encourage knowledge of the area. The woodland is a very good habitat for smaller nocturnal wildlife, monkeys and bush buck.
The Trust politely requests that anyone coming to visit the area registers with Luwawa Forest Lodge. For safety purposes it is essential that guests and visitors inform a member of staff before exploring the forest trails or enjoying the Luwawa Dam by foot or kayak. The Trust wants to make sure anyone enjoying the area does so safely but visitors do so at their own risk.
HELPING SUPPORT LUWAWA ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
LET arranges fundraising activities throughout the year as well as applying for financial support from grant giving organisations. The forest, dam and surrounding environments are living breathing and continually growing. Therefore there is always maintenance and protection work to do, village communities to support and children to educate.
The LEPZ will always maintain an area of commercial pine that will assist the Trust to be able to continue its essential environmental work. However if the Trust is to expand its impact, additional funds are always welcome. If you are in a position to make a contribution, please contact us on +265 (0) 881601203 and we would be happy to let you know how your contribution is likely to be utilised.
IN AID OF THE LUWAWA ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST
the luwawa international charity mountain bike marathon race
Luwawa Forest Lodge hosts the annual Luwawa International Charity Mountain Bike Marathon Race in aid of the Luwawa Environmental Trust every year in mid June.
The Luwawa International Charity Mountain Bike Marathon Race takes riders on a spectacularly beautiful 53km route along mountain ridges and through the indigenous forest of the South Viphya Forest Reserve, primarily on single tracks. The course is tough and challenging but will certainly give you a sense of achievement as you cross the finish line.
The Main Race is open to all cyclists over the age of 17 who have a safety approved standard of mountain bike and are fit enough to complete the 53km race in a reasonable time. Alternatively, there is a Junior Race of 20km for those under 17 or for those who prefer a shorter route.
IN AID OF THE LUWAWA ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST
the luwawa international charity mountain bike marathon race
Luwawa Forest Lodge hosts the annual Luwawa International Charity Mountain Bike Marathon Race in aid of the Luwawa Environmental Trust every year in mid June.
The Luwawa International Charity Mountain Bike Marathon Race takes riders on a spectacularly beautiful 53km route along mountain ridges and through the indigenous forest of the South Viphya Forest Reserve, primarily on single tracks. The course is tough and challenging but will certainly give you a sense of achievement as you cross the finish line.
The Main Race is open to all cyclists over the age of 17 who have a safety approved standard of mountain bike and are fit enough to complete the 53km race in a reasonable time. Alternatively, there is a Junior Race of 20km for those under 17 or for those who prefer a shorter route.
Thanks to our important sponsors, there are generous individual monetary prizes for the first three elite men and the first three elite women to finish the course. In addition, the prestigious “Selmar Gassen Memorial Trophy” will be presented as the Team prize. This detailed miniature silver replica mountain bike will be taken home by the first three members of a registered team to finish with the lowest average time over the course.
It’s a really great family day out so come along to either participate or support as spectators are most welcome. The prize giving takes place in the beautiful grounds of Luwawa Forest Lodge at approximately 3.00 pm.
Would your company, club or group of friends like to enter a team? Teams can be sponsored to raise money for a charity of their choice or to help support the Luwawa Environmental Trust. Local teams from all over Malawi have been represented and, in previous years, Blantyre Cycling Club and Mzuzu Cycling Club have done particularly well in this event.
Thanks to our important sponsors, there are generous individual monetary prizes for the first three elite men and the first three elite women to finish the course. In addition, the prestigious “Selmar Gassen Memorial Trophy” will be presented as the Team prize. This detailed miniature silver replica mountain bike will be taken home by the first three members of a registered team to finish with the lowest average time over the course.
It’s a really great family day out so come along to either participate or support as spectators are most welcome. The prize giving takes place in the beautiful grounds of Luwawa Forest Lodge at approximately 3.00 pm.
Would your company, club or group of friends like to enter a team? Teams can be sponsored to raise money for a charity of their choice or to help support the Luwawa Environmental Trust. Local teams from all over Malawi have been represented and, in previous years, Blantyre Cycling Club and Mzuzu Cycling Club have done particularly well in this event.